HANDS-ON FUNDING IDEAS    Funding

 

These ideas have been drafted with developing countries in mind but I guess the principles can be applied to any situation.
 
Growing fruit and vegetables
In most countries, there are key fruits or vegetables that can be grown and sold in the markets to generate funding. In many countries, coffee is a key one and can generate good income. There are also other fruits that grow well and quickly. We used to buy them from one area of a Pacific Ocean country in bulk and then transport them to another area where they could be sold for a higher price in the retail market i.e. in smaller amounts in the market.
 
Breeding animals
Animals can also be purchased and then bred for sale in the markets. Chickens also produce eggs and these can be sold. I realise that this is a specialist area and does need a level of understanding as the animals can get sick etc..  One entrepreneur has developed his own chicken farm and supports folk on overseas projects . I have visited it and seen how it has grown over the years. Bee-keeping is worth looking into also. Fishing is often a very good way to generate income. I know in PNG this is a very profitable business.
 
Wholesale/retail concept
Purchasing things in bulk and then selling them in smaller, individual quantities can also generate funding for projects. There is an initial outlay in finance but this can be re-invested or some of it and thus the initial funding increases. Knowing the market and having willing folk to be part of the project are important so that costs are minimised. Often there are bargains around, thus buying at reduced prices and selling at the normal can generate funding too. Maybe a friendly manufacturer will give you items at discounted prices which you can turn into cash.

Manufacturing
There are many items that can be made simply with the minimum of machinery. Making clothes, items of furniture and other everyday items can be a good source of income. Food making is one of the most reliable as people always need to eat. This does need an initial start-up fund for equipment and materials although these can often be found as surplus from a larger company. There are organisations that supply initial tools and equipment as well as micro-loans.

Repairs - DIY centres
Machinery etc., is always needing maintenance and repairs. Thus gaining knowledge of a specialist kind of machinery can, with some training and experience, enable income to be generated. An idea from the Philippines is to have a "Do-it-Yourself" cernttre/shop (maybe several) to which folk can bring their items for repairs. Training is given as the item is repaired along with the necessary materials/tools for repair/maintenance.
 
Training folk to repair bicycles/ motorbikes/ out-board motors/ projectors/computer equipment etc is so important and can give ongoing income both to the individual and community projects. There are organisations that supply initial tools and equipment.

General labouring
There are often many opportunities to be found  just by offering to help folk and to thus receive a gift/payment which can be put into the general funding pool. As your reputation for quality work and reliability soon spread, thus your contracts will grow.
 
Recycling
This can also bring in income in some places. In PNG, collecting used drink cans is undertaken to support friends on overseas assignments.
 
Writing
This occupation can generate income too but it takes time for it to become profitable.There are all kinds of writing needed in the communication channels of this century. Technical writing can be a good area to explore. Some good tips at: http://www.right-writing.com/

 

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